Understanding the Dream of Seeking Parental Approval

Dreaming about seeking approval from parents is a profound experience that resonates deeply within many individuals. This type of dream often reflects an ongoing internal struggle to gain validation from family figures—especially parents. In many cultures, parental approval is considered a vital aspect of personal success and identity formation.

When we dream of seeking this approval, it may indicate hidden insecurities or a desire for affirmation in our personal or professional lives. These dreams can surface during particularly challenging times or even during moments when we feel disconnected from our family's values and expectations. For young adults navigating modern societal pressures, the need for such approval can become a pivotal element in their decision-making processes.

As we explore the meanings behind these dreams, it’s essential to approach them with compassion, understanding that such feelings are a part of our shared human experience.

• Dreaming of seeking approval from parents often symbolizes deep-rooted desires for validation and acceptance.
• Such dreams can reflect personal insecurities and the need to please others, rooted in childhood influences.
• They may also point towards a spiritual journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Symbols

• caregivers
  • Chancellors:

    (Chancellors; Councilmen; Leaders; Seniors; Wise men) Seeing the elders of a community, the councilmen of a city, the chiefs of a clan or the shaikhs of a tribe in a dream means victory and glad tidings.

  • Councilmen:

    (Chancellors; Councilmen; Leaders; Seniors; Wise men) Seeing the elders of a community, the councilmen of a city, the chiefs of a clan or the shaikhs of a tribe in a dream means victory and glad tidings.

  • Wise men:

    (Chancellors; Councilmen; Leaders; Seniors; Wise men) Seeing the elders of a community, the councilmen of a city, the chiefs of a clan or the shaikhs of a tribe in a dream means victory and glad tidings.

• pursuing validation
  • Wanted:

    (Claim; Search; Wanted) In a dream, pursuit means one’s destiny, or death. If one sees himself wanted by his enemy in a dream, it means that he may die shortly. On the other hand, pursuit in a dream also could represent things that foster one’s pride, such as knowledge, schooling, degrees, money, or work.

    If one sees himself pursued by someone in a dream, it means sorrow and distress. Pursuit in a dream also represents one’s goal in life. If one is not a fugitive, then to see himself wanted in a dream means appeasement of his fears.

    If one sees an ugly looking person searching for him in a dream, he then represents an unwanted catastrophe, or a mishap. If one is caught by his claimant, then it means increase of his fears. If one sees himself pursuing something, or seeking to get something in a dream, it means that he will attain his goal or at least a part of it.

  • Confess:

    If one sees himself acknowledging devotion or worship of another human being in a dream, it means enmity with that person. But, if one sees himself confessing his wrongdoing in a dream, it means regaining honor, dignity and true repentance. To confess a murder in a dream means that one will attain peace, leadership or advancement to a supervisory job.

  • Devotion:

    If one sees himself acknowledging devotion or worship of another human being in a dream, it means enmity with that person. But, if one sees himself confessing his wrongdoing in a dream, it means regaining honor, dignity and true repentance. To confess a murder in a dream means that one will attain peace, leadership or advancement to a supervisory job.

• seeking approval
  • Sociability:
  • Sycophancy:
  • Confess:

    If one sees himself acknowledging devotion or worship of another human being in a dream, it means enmity with that person. But, if one sees himself confessing his wrongdoing in a dream, it means regaining honor, dignity and true repentance. To confess a murder in a dream means that one will attain peace, leadership or advancement to a supervisory job.

• guardians
  • Custodian:
  • Trustee:
  • Testator:

    DICTIONARY OF DREAMS 433

• parents
  • Maintenance:

    (Alimony; Maintenance) To provide support for one’s family and relatives in a dream mean prosperity, protection for one’s children and concern for one’s posterity. Whatever expenses one spends to support his family in a dream will be money he will receive in wakefulness. If one finds himself unwillingly giving family support or alimony to his wife in a dream, it means hypocrisy, or that he is nearing his death.

    152 IBN SEERIN’S

  • Alimony:

    (Alimony; Maintenance) To provide support for one’s family and relatives in a dream mean prosperity, protection for one’s children and concern for one’s posterity. Whatever expenses one spends to support his family in a dream will be money he will receive in wakefulness. If one finds himself unwillingly giving family support or alimony to his wife in a dream, it means hypocrisy, or that he is nearing his death.

    152 IBN SEERIN’S

  • Chancellors:

    (Chancellors; Councilmen; Leaders; Seniors; Wise men) Seeing the elders of a community, the councilmen of a city, the chiefs of a clan or the shaikhs of a tribe in a dream means victory and glad tidings.

• requesting endorsement
  • Plead:

    (Appeal; Begging; Bequeath; Plead) To solicit the advice of a religious scholar, a learned person, a lawyer, or a judge in a dream means to need them in a conflict. If a rich person asks a poor person for somethingor for a favor in a dream, it means that he could suffer in hell-fire unless he repents from his sins and bigotry. Solomon’s ring: (A gift from God Almighty; Authority) If a ruler or a rich person sees himself wearing Solomon’s ring in a dream, it means that his authority, wealth, lands, travels and all his goals will be successful and grow further.

    If someone invokes spirits for a living, then wearing Solomon’s ring in a dream will make him rich. Seeing or finding Solomon’s ringin a dream also means renewing one’s term of leadership, or a manifestation of a great confounding wonder that will bewilder everyone.

  • Appeal:

    (Appeal; Begging; Bequeath; Plead) To solicit the advice of a religious scholar, a learned person, a lawyer, or a judge in a dream means to need them in a conflict. If a rich person asks a poor person for somethingor for a favor in a dream, it means that he could suffer in hell-fire unless he repents from his sins and bigotry. Solomon’s ring: (A gift from God Almighty; Authority) If a ruler or a rich person sees himself wearing Solomon’s ring in a dream, it means that his authority, wealth, lands, travels and all his goals will be successful and grow further.

    If someone invokes spirits for a living, then wearing Solomon’s ring in a dream will make him rich. Seeing or finding Solomon’s ringin a dream also means renewing one’s term of leadership, or a manifestation of a great confounding wonder that will bewilder everyone.

  • Confess:

    If one sees himself acknowledging devotion or worship of another human being in a dream, it means enmity with that person. But, if one sees himself confessing his wrongdoing in a dream, it means regaining honor, dignity and true repentance. To confess a murder in a dream means that one will attain peace, leadership or advancement to a supervisory job.

Practical Steps to Address the Need for Parental Approval

• Engage in Reflective Journaling

  One effective way to understand your feelings surrounding parental approval is through reflective journaling. Take time each day or week to write down your thoughts about your relationship with your parents. Ask yourself questions such as: 'What does their approval mean to me?' or 'In what areas of life do I feel I seek their validation?' By putting pen to paper, you can clarify your feelings and identify patterns that may have developed over time.

  This process can lead to deeper insights into your motivations and the areas of your life where parental approval weighs heavily on your decisions. Journaling allows you to explore both your desires for approval and any potential issues such as fear of rejection or self-doubt that may stem from your childhood. Additionally, over time, writing can serve as a therapeutic outlet, helping you articulate your journey toward self-acceptance.

• Open Up Communication

  Strengthening communication with your parents can greatly alleviate feelings of inadequacy or the need for constant approval. Consider initiating frank and loving conversations about your aspirations, concerns, and the dynamics of approval within your relationship. It can be enlightening to hear your parents express their views and intentions regarding your achievements and choices.

  Sometimes, we hold onto perceptions that may not reflect their true feelings or expectations. A direct dialogue can also help set healthy boundaries. When both parties express their needs and fears, it fosters a supportive environment for understanding.

  This open communication breaks down walls of misunderstanding, allowing for a more authentic connection that benefits both you and your parents.

• Embrace Self-Acceptance

  Fostering self-acceptance is crucial in overcoming the need for external approval. Consider engaging in activities that promote self-discovery and self-love. This could include participating in hobbies that make you happy, establishing personal goals independent of parental expectations, or seeking supportive communities that reflect your values.

  Practice mindfulness and meditation to ground yourself in your worth without the need for validation from others. Affirmations can be another powerful tool; repeating positive statements about your abilities and self-worth can gradually transform your mindset. Understand that the journey to self-acceptance is a continual process, and being gentle with yourself as you navigate these feelings will be instrumental in building resilience against the instinctual need for approval.

FAQs

• What does it mean if I dream about my parents judging me?

  Dreaming of being judged by parents often signifies your own internal conflicts regarding self-worth and validation. It may indicate that you are grappling with feelings of inadequacy or the need for approval in your waking life. Such dreams can serve as a reminder to reflect on your values and what truly matters to you, rather than solely seeking approval from parental figures.

• Can dreaming of parental approval reflect my life choices?

  Absolutely. Dreams about seeking parental approval can be closely tied to your life choices and direction. They may indicate that you are at a crossroads, evaluating whether your actions align with familial expectations or if you are brave enough to forge your own path. These dreams encourage introspection and examination of whether your decisions are authentically yours.

• Does wanting parental approval indicate low self-esteem?

  Yes, a strong desire for parental approval can point towards low self-esteem. When you feel that your worth is contingent upon others’ validation, especially from parents, it can manifest into feelings of insecurity and anxiety. However, recognizing this need is the first step towards healing; through self-love and personal acceptance, one can begin to shift this dynamic.

• Why do I keep dreaming about disappointing my parents?

  Repeated dreams about disappointing parents often reflect personal fears of failure and the pressure to meet expectations. They can stem from feelings of guilt or fear related to choices you've made or the path you've taken. These dreams may also signify a need to reevaluate your values and beliefs about success and fulfillment, allowing you to align your goals with what truly matters to you.

• How can I interpret these dreams in a positive way?

  To interpret dreams about seeking parental approval positively, focus on them as an opportunity for growth. View them as calls to explore your identity and what approval means for you personally. This perspective allows you to transform feelings of inadequacy into motivation to pursue self-acceptance and freedom from external validation, ultimately leading to a healthier relationship with both yourself and your parents.

References